For gamers, nothing comes close to the feeling of getting lost in your favorite video game for hours. After all, the adrenaline rush of virtual adventures and intense online battles can help fuel your sense of accomplishment. Studies have also shown that games are good for the brain, helping to improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills, promoting creativity, and encouraging teamwork. But while playing video games can be beneficial to some extent, playing for long periods of time can compromise your eyesight.
Studies show that 52% of people who gambled excessively experienced eye strain or eyestrain. Eye strain is accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms such as blurred vision, dry eyes and headaches. Dealing with this condition not only affects your gaming experience but also affects your vision. That being said, here's what you can do if you experience eye strain and blurred vision after gaming:
Get your eyes checked
Eye strain, blurred vision, and headaches after playing can be signs of a serious condition, such as corneal disease or glaucoma, which cause the same symptoms, so it's best to have an eye exam to be sure. sure. Getting regular eye exams can help you evaluate the overall health of your vision and detect potential vision problems that may be causing eye strain and blurred vision. On retailer OPSM's website, all you need to do is enter your zip code, select a store near you, choose a preferred time and eye doctor, and fill out your contact information to book your eye exam online. You can also call nearby optical stores to see which ones in your area offer eye exams. By getting regular checkups, you can prevent eye diseases from developing that hinder your gaming experience and daily activities.
Use a blue light filter for your monitor
If you often suffer from eye strain and blurred vision after playing video games, it's probably time to make the necessary adjustments to your gaming settings. For example, you can choose to use filters that can limit the intense blue light emitted by your devices, which can cause eye strain. Start by investing in gaming monitors with built-in BlueLightShield technology, like the Acer Nitro 27-inch IPS PC Gaming Monitor. This technology helps reduce harmful blue light while maintaining color accuracy, allowing you to enjoy high-quality graphics without sacrificing visual comfort. Placing anti-blue light screen protectors on your other gaming devices is another way to ensure an eye-healthy gaming experience, so try a little research to see what's available for your preferred consoles.
Moisturize your eyes
Moisturizing your eyes is another effective way to help you deal with eye strain and blurred vision. Research shows that excessive use of digital devices reduces blinking, which causes dry eyes, a common symptom of eye strain and a condition that can cause blurred vision. Dry eye disease can also cause a painful or uncomfortable burning sensation in the eyes, ruining a supposedly fun gaming experience. Using eye drops can provide relief by replacing the eyes' natural tears, and studies show that preservative-free artificial tears with hyaluronic acid can help players improve their visual comfort. You can use eye drops before using your computer to ensure your comfort while gaming.
Pause
Ultimately, experiencing eye strain and blurred vision after gaming may be a sign that you need to give your eyes some rest. Between gaming sessions, you can practice healthy eye habits, such as blinking rapidly or following the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, pause the game and look at something at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. These exercises can prevent your eyes from working too hard. Experiencing eye strain and blurred vision can also indicate the need to get out and touch some grass, literally. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors can help the eyes relax by focusing on distant objects, and natural light can stimulate the retina, improving visual function.
There's no denying that video games provide fun and excitement, but staring at the screen and playing for long periods of time can cause eye strain and blurred vision. Follow these tips to help you enjoy playing without sacrificing your eye health.